Cork Grip Quality question

[StrBender]

I purchased a new rod 2 weeks ago. I paid just over $300 for it. I was really impressed with the quality "looking" cork grip. It's said to have a "super grade cork grip" Now that I have used it for a few outings and it never got wet I was wiping it down when I noticed that the cork is full of filler and it's starting to fall out!. It isn't as bad as my lower end rods and I know it's not a $500+ rod BUT should the filler be failing so soon? I don't want to go back to the shop and sound like a whiner if this is normal for a rod in it's price range. Other than the grip I like the rod.

[lowwall]

I Have had this same problem, Orvis T3's with the crappy cork full of filler. Filler is Ok as long as it is sealed. I would complain if I where you, I got my T3 from warranty breakages of Trident rods so I did not feel like complaining would be appropriate. If you want to seal the cork you have options.

1) U-40 Cork Seal will seal the cork and leave it looking and feeling like it is not.

2) Birchwood Caey Truoil will seal it but leave it with a bit of a hand rubed walnut gunstock like luster. Any gunstock filler\sealer will work.

3) Shelac, like truoil bot a little tougher but not as nice looking.This is what I use most of the time.

[Steamtrain]

what would one use to fill in the cork?


sadly flyfishermen are a bunch of complainers and $200 is tacked on to the price of the rod to cover our complaints

[Casey A. Wood]

I just read an article about that. Take a wine cork, grind it down to get shavings, or dust. Mix it with white glue and fill in the holes or gaps. I forget what the consistancy should be.

[GreatBay]

I would stay away from the white glue on this one.

Proceed as Casey said except use a 2 part epoxy, mix the cork dust and the epoxy together until you have a moist mixture, spread on (and push into gaps) with a popsicle stick and allow to dry. Lightly sand the areas that you filled .
Note:
You may have to do this a couple of times as the first coat may not be completely level with the existing cork grip since it has a tendency to "shrink".

Premium quality cork is available, and there is a PLENTIFUL supply, the wine makers are not stealing all of it for their cork stoppers.
A FLOR grade cork grip will cost a one time builder in the area of $40.00.

[StrBender]

Thanks guy's. It's a TLS 9' 8wt. I hope to pick up a reel this Saturday then get some line for the salt. I hope to be ready by the end of the month. For now i'm using my BBS III (4-7) with very little backing in order to fit the 8wt trout line. I've been going after the LMB & SMB here in town.

Dave I was looking at your catalog that you mailed me and I will definately get up to see you.
With the gas prices were they are right now and getting 10 mpg I needed to watch my budget for a new rod.